The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-12-12
OPENED FOR WORSHIP.
THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH DEDI.
GATED TO GOD YESTERDAY.
Outline of the Instructive Sermon by
the Rev. J. B. Gambrell, OF jackson,
Miss.-Last Of Series of Lectures by
the Rev. DR.. M. Samfield.

The dedication OF the First Baptist
church, Second street, between Washing
ton and Adams, took place yesterday in the
presence of large congregation. First,
there was the singing Of the doxology,
Praise God from whom all blessings
how," which, at the request OF Rev. r. A.
Venable, was joined in by the entire con-
gregation. Then came beautiful anthem
by the choir, beginning This is the day
the Lord hath made"
Rev. J. b. Gambrel, OF Jackson, Miss,
who preached the sermon OF dedication,
then read parts of the eighth chapter Of
the first book of Kings, in which Solomon
asks the blessing of God on the temple
that had been completed and was to be
devoted to his service.
The Rev DIR. Graves offered a prayer,
asking divine blessing on the new house
OF worship.
Mr.. Galnbrel took his text from Mark
xi. IL: "My house shall be called of all
nations house OF prayer" The preacher
contrasted the scenes pictured in the Old
Testament, from which he had read the
morning lesson, where Solomon was
worshiping and asking Gods blessing,
with that taken from the New Testament,
containing his text
There was great and painful difference
between the two scenes. In the first all
was grandeur and magnihccnce while
in the latter Jesus had come in and as
John describes with scourgc, drove out
the money-changers, overturned the
tables, and created scene OF confusion
which those who saw could never forget.
The minister warned his congregation that
they had much TO fear from the world on
account Of their popularity and numbers,
and their great institutions Of learning
lie asked that Christ should rule there
and said his reign could be secured by
prayer. The rod of his power was over
every creature; his love could be obtained
lor the asking. IL is not theology that
saves, but Christ. Some one said, 81 do moi
love botany, but l love flowers" There
was no authority in councils; there wac
no authority in popes; authority was from
Christ We live in q restless age, and on
lives need to be lighted up, SO that ",
must recognize the one great central poin
Of tho authority Of Jesus Christ. They
would not argue about whether immersion
|
| tie or much water WIS needed; a broader
spirit now prevailed, and they would b.
baptized because IL was Gods command.
Referring TO the meeting OF the Eyangel
lead alliance in Washington, lac hoped IN,
time had come when all christians coulI
stand upon one common platform. Every
human heart needs something 10 res
upon, and nothing could be better thar
the promises of Jesus Christ. He was ON
master. A time WIS coming when The
monopOlisls and labOrers were 10 stant
before him for judgment. We could no
depend upon politics, and our hope is IL
the strength OF Christ How blessed wa
the promise that he would not leave us
he would lead US. There might be beau
tiiul church, but there would be no Maste
present. Over some churches there nigh
he written in sarcasm Sunday Entertain
meuef There might be eloquent and
learned discourscs, but these would onll
bo line efforts.
The preacher closed by hoping that thi
new and beautiful church would be who'll!
devoted 10 the worship Of God, and that IL
utterances might be heard and hcedc'
throughout the great Mississippi valley.
The Rev. X. A. Nenable, in few re-
marks, spoke Of the love they had for tn
old church which once had stood there
and hoped that IL would be continued am
increased for the new and beautiful hous
just finished.
There was still debt Of 500. and at tn
close Of services a generous contribution
was made 10 cancel IL.